Alex Ovechkin of the NHL Washington Capitals ‘passes’ on All-Star game
Arlington, Virginia - Alex Ovechkin says he will ‘pass’ on his attendance at the NHL All-Star game in Ottawa, because he doesn’t agree with the three game suspension he received this week. He was suspended for three games for his ‘cheap shot – head hit’ on Zbynek Michalek.
Ovechkin received a three game suspension for leaping at Zbynek Michalek of the Pittsburgh Penguins last Sunday when he hit Michalek in the head as he left his feet, with another ‘cheap shot.’
Ovechkin, 26, was not assessed a penalty on the play, but it was reviewed by NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan of the disciplinary committee and they took into consideration that this was not his first suspension for such actions.
This was the third suspension that Ovechkin has received since joining the NHL, he received a two game suspension in 2009 for an illegal hit to Carolina’s Tim Gleason and another in March 2010 for a “reckless” boarding infraction to Chicago player Brian Campbell.
Stephen Whyno of the Washington Times reports: “My heart is not there. I [got] suspended, so why I have to go there?” Ovechkin said. “I love the game; it’s great event. I’d love to be there, but I’m suspended. I don’t want to be a target. I feel I’m not deserving to be there right now. If I suspended, I have to be suspended. That’s why I give up my roster [spot].”
Some may think that three games is nothing, but based on his salary of $9 million per year that is a fine of over $300,000. I hope he finally gets the message, head hits are not allowed.
The Tim Horton’s NHL All-Star Game weekend gets underway Thursday in Ottawa and the big game will be played Sunday afternoon at 4pm on CBC, RDS, NBC Sports Networks.
Daniel … Toronto, Canada
My take on everything
@dandmb50
January 25, 2012
dandmb50
